Shopping: it's a love/hate relationship. I’ve managed to sidestep a lot of the necessary and mundane shopping by deploying Amazon Prime for things for the kids like diapers and wipes. I know, I know... I'm supporting a gigantic corporation and all that shipping can't be good for our environment. I don't love the idea of priming-it, but driving 20 minutes to Central Ave in Scarsdale to Buy Buy Baby is about as appealing as, oh, I don't know: getting a cavity drilled in the dentist's chair. At least I can close my eyes at the dentist and rest, so maybe that's better, actually.

But there are aspects of shopping that I do enjoy: pining for a pair of boots that will last me for seasons to come, perusing on Pinterest, imagining a refreshed space in my home, or purchasing a toy that becomes a beloved part of our repertoire. When it comes to shopping for clothes and toys for our kids in particular, I've come to realize and embrace the idea that I'm a slow shopper. You might be thinking: what is a slow shopper exactly?

A Slow Shopper...

Thinks about her purchase for a while before buying.

Favors higher quality pieces over the cheaply made.

Makes a purchase with the idea that the article of clothing or toy or piece of furniture will be with them in their space for some time.

Forgoes sentimentalism. If something isn't working in their space or closet, it's in the donate pile without a second thought.

The Benefits of Slow Shopping

Less purchases mean less impact on the environment.

Less stuff means a tidier, neater home and a clearer head space.

Will save you money in the long run because you’ll sidestep impulse buys and won’t need to replace items as frequently.

Frees up time. Shopping for shopping’s sake isn’t a thing to do.

How I Slow Shop for My Kids

Hand-me-downs or thrift store purchases make up the bulk of their wardrobes.

Less is more. They don't have or need a ton of clothes or toys.

We welcome hand-me downs for the kids but the same principles apply: if we don't love it and use it, we donate it.

We buy a few quality pieces each year for the kids and often it’s the sort of things that will get used every day like a hat, jacket, or shoes.

We buy gifts at our favorite local stores and boutiques, not Target.

We now favor unisex pieces so both our kids can get use out of the same clothing.

My Favorite Boutiques for Slow Shopping for Kids (in the NYC area)

Hudson St. Organic in Montclair, New Jersey for clothing that is beautiful, high-quality, and organic